Another PRR/PC/CR layout idea...

[Dave V]

Fresh from the rear corner of my brain...

Here's an idea for an N scale layout.  Not without its problems, mind you...

Wanted:  A segment of PRR that lasted into early Conrail with a combination of through freight and locals.  Passenger service would be nice, but not a condition.  Also, should be part of PA with which I'm familiar.

So I thought about Lancaster County again.  Then it hit me.  The Columbia Branch.

The Columbia Branch is still in service today.  In the 1956-1980 period (which would cover all of the eras I'd want equipment for) it had decent traffic levels.  It connected the C&PD with the mainline at Lancaster (Dillerville Yard).

Layout concept:  The center of activitity is Dillerville Yard, and the nearby Armstrong Linoleum plant and Lancaster Malleable Metals.  Throw in a lumber yard, the Reading interchange (later part of CR), and a coal trestle (which was still operating into Conrail, I believe), and Dillerville would be (and still is) a busy place.  To the east, CORK Tower, Lancaster station, and a segment of the 2-track main to eastern staging (I'd throw in the stone arch bridge at Lancaster Water Works over the Conestoga for good measure).  West of Dillerville we go through Rohrerstown and Mountville (which includes a freight station, some warehouses and feed mills).  Lastly, at Columbia, we pick up the C&PD and A&S at COLA tower, and run up to Royalton, to reconnect with the mainline.  Along the way we pick up the connector from Enola off Shock's Mills Bridge.

The trouble:  This was all under wire!!!

Kato's GG1 comes to the rescue to a point.  The lack of P5as for the 50's and E44s for PC/CR is a problem indeed.  By PC/CR, most freights through there were diesel, and I think all the locals for the period where steam or diesel rather than electric, as the sidings were not wired.

Then comes the catenary problem.  If I did this I'd use flexible wire for the trolley wire (sacrificing the graceful sag of the suspender wire).  Cat poles are still a problem.

Anyway, just another weekend ramble to get the creative thoughts flowing!

[asciibaron]

worst layout ever.


 ;D

i would pick something like the Renovo line over the BORINGLY flat Columbia Branch.  but if you like flat, go for it.

-Steve

[Dave V]

Well played, Steve!

Nah, flat's OK on a layout.  It's the catenary and electric locos, though I love 'em, that's the biggest LIMFAC.

[ljudice]

The problem isn't the catenary itself - the Somerfeldt system is perfectly fine for US prototype. It's the support masts. They only offer the Swiss or the German/Austrian systems. The Swiss is closer, in fact very close to what might be seen in the US, except for a latice work component.

What is needed is metal US poles and  masts to go with the Somerfelt wire...

Lou

[Dave V]

The problem isn't the catenary itself - the Somerfeldt system is perfectly fine for US prototype. It's the support masts. They only offer the Swiss or the German/Austrian systems. The Swiss is closer, in fact very close to what might be seen in the US, except for a latice work component.

What is needed is metal US poles and  masts to go with the Somerfelt wire...

Lou

Agreed.  I should have specified.  However, rigid cat wires are not something I'm jumping up and down for in N scale either.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I don't think it'd be that bad to do the cat if you had a good soldering rig. I've seen it done, on NTRAK modules, and it worked. It was really impressive.

I've thought that would be a fun thing too. If you wanted even MORE traffic, you could include the beginning of the Port Road too after it crosses the Susquehanna. That was all connected, right?

[Dave V]

I don't think it'd be that bad to do the cat if you had a good soldering rig. I've seen it done, on NTRAK modules, and it worked. It was really impressive.

I've thought that would be a fun thing too. If you wanted even MORE traffic, you could include the beginning of the Port Road too after it crosses the Susquehanna. That was all connected, right?

It's not that, Ed, it's the thought of reaching under the catenary to clean track, re-rail a car, etc.

[wm3798]

That's not a problem if you drink smaller beers, there Klaus...

 ;D

Fritz

[Dave V]

That's not a problem if you drink smaller beers, there Klaus...
 ;D

Fritz

Funny you mention that...  My father told me his father told him there's an old Vollmer saying back in the old country:  "Never trust a man named Klaus."  He never said why...   ???

[choochin3]

How about modeling AFTER the wires came down.
No electrics,but you can still have the cat towers ,and supports.
Just an idea,I know you'd prefer to have catenary.

Carl T.